Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group
12 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Belfast, United Kingdom
Visiting: Dublin, Custom House, Dublin, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Kilkenny, Cahir, Cork, Blarney, Killarney, Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Ring of Kerry, Sneem, Moll's Gap, Ladies View, Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Aran Islands, Blue Stack Mountains, Londonderry, Shipquay Street, Londonderry, Guildhall, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Ballygally Bay, Carrickfergus Castle, Belfast, City Hall, Belfast, Queen's University, Belfast, Parliament Building at Stormont Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B909N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and Northern Ireland with the "Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group, Summer" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the vibrant streets of Dublin to the historic city of Belfast, offering a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. Discover the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the mystical Giant's Causeway, and the scenic Ring of Kerry. Enjoy authentic Irish hospitality with farm-to-table dining in Killarney and a celebration dinner in Ballygally. Choose between a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike in Killarney National Park, and explore iconic sites like Kilkenny Castle and the Book of Kells. With guided city tours, scenic drives, and local expert insights, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Emerald Isle.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Cahir: See one of the largest castles in Ireland dating back to the 13th century.
- Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Dingle Peninsula: Follow the Slea Head route, a dramatic coastal drive around the Dingle Peninsula, where sheer cliffs, secluded beaches, and ancient ruins reflect centuries of settlement. Pass prehistoric ring forts, beehive huts and Ogham stones, evidence of early Gaelic communities. Offshore, see the Blasket Islands, once home to a resilient Irish-speaking population who, facing isolation and hardship, relocated to the mainland in 1953.
- Shannon: Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry. This large estuary is where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint.
- Ballygally: Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.
- Carrickfergus: See the immense Castle as your drive around it.
- Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Make Travel Matter
Killarney: Meet passionate guesthouse owners John and Freda at their beautiful home in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their farm-to-table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coast of the Emerald Isle. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
Authentic Dining
Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
Ballygally: The Irish call it 'craic' - the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation. And after circumnavigating the Emerald Isle, there's bound to be a fair share of craic at your grand finale Celebration Dinner. Sláinte!
Insight Choice
Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin, Custom House, Dublin, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Day 3: A Journey from Dublin to Cork
Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Cahir, Cork
Accommodation Name: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centers, also home to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across the Mountains to Killarney
Location: Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle and Gardens. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience
Location: Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Ring of Kerry, Sneem, Moll's Gap, Ladies View
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Location: Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head
Accommodation Name: Falls & Spa, Ennistymon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Killarney and journey to the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, following the scenic Slea Head Drive. Travel past windswept cliffs, golden beaches and ancient stone dwellings, with views stretching to the remote Blasket Islands. In the afternoon, head north to Tarbert, where you’ll board a ferry to cross the Shannon Estuary to Killimer, a historic crossing point where Ireland’s longest river meets the Atlantic. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, often seen in these waters. Continue to Ennistymon, a charming market town known for its traditional shopfronts and cascading river falls and settle into your hotel for the evening.
Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher and Galway Relaxed Start
Location: Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Location: Galway, Aran Islands
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Derry Londonderry
Location: Blue Stack Mountains, Londonderry, Shipquay Street, Londonderry, Guildhall, Londonderry
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start
Location: Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Ballygally Bay
Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start
Location: Antrim Coast, Carrickfergus Castle, Belfast, City Hall, Belfast, Queen's University, Belfast, Parliament Building at Stormont, Belfast
Accommodation Name: Titanic, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart Belfast
Location: Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
For your departure transfer, you’ll first stop at Belfast George Best City Airport before continuing to Belfast International Airport. The journey between the two airports takes approximately 45 minutes.
What's Included
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney: a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike with a nature guide.
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Welcome Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner in Dublin.
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Celebration Dinner
Enjoy a grand finale Celebration Dinner in Ballygally.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a trip to the Aran Islands are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour starting and ending points are not included.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy scenic drives through the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and the Antrim Coast, with departure transfers to Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.Accommodation
Stay in a variety of hotels including Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, and Titanic in Belfast, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.Dining Summary
Insight Experiences
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, and a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the Giant's Causeway and learn about the National Trust's efforts in biodiversity and habitat restoration.
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What are the dining experiences like on this tour?
The tour offers several authentic dining experiences, including a warm and friendly welcome dinner in Dublin, a Farm-to-Table dining experience in Killarney with locally sourced ingredients, and a grand finale Celebration Dinner in Ballygally, where you can enjoy the Irish 'craic' with music, good food, and conversation.
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What options are available for exploring Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you can choose between a horse-drawn jaunting car ride with local jarveys or a gentle hike with a nature guide. Both options allow you to admire the stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.
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What is the significance of the Giant's Causeway visit?
The visit to the Giant's Causeway includes learning about the National Trust's efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. The site is known for its unique geological formations and is part of a habitat restoration project that prioritizes biodiversity and quality food production.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as a trip to the Aran Islands, which is not included in the tour package. This optional excursion offers a genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way with its cliffs and spectacular coastal views.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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